If you’ve heard of Dave Camarillo then you’ve heard of Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu, which is a special blend of jiu-jitsu that uses guerilla warfare tactics in order to help you submit your opponent. At American Kickboxing Academy, Camarillo has trained top fighters and champions such as Jon Fitch, Josh Koscheck, Luke Rockhold, Cain Velasquez, and many others in the art of Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu.

Now he’s passing along these techniques to the rest of the world in his new book titled “Submit Everyone: The Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu Files.” With the help of Kevin Howell, Camarillo explains how to come up with a plan of attack and execute it in order to submit your opponent.

First off, the layout of this book is absolutely fantastic. It’s presented like a top secret military file that contains nothing but classified information. When I opened the book, I felt like Carrie Mathison just handed me the CIA file on Sergeant Nicholas Brody and now it was up to me to stop him before he killed anymore government officials. In fact, had they gone the extra step and redacted any information, even if it was just for the visual appeal, I would have believed that they had stolen the book from Homeland Security. I’d honestly recommend this book based on nothing but the layout. That’s how unique it is and how well it goes with the information.

Of course you probably want this book because you hope it will help you improve your submission game, not to marvel at the design.

To go along with the design, the chapters are broken up laid out with a military type feel. First Camarillo discuss the importance of submissions, then gives an introduction to basic submissions, moves on to establishing a base position, and ends with finishing the submission. He uses military terms when setting up these chapters though, which can be confusing if you don’t read the chapter introduction and leave you wondering, “What exactly does a fire team have to do with finishing a mounted armbar?”

The information is second to none. The beginning of every technique is laid out with a series of pictures for the more visual learners and then everything is explained and the words are accompanied the key pictures that were already laid out. Here’s what I love about the book though: Camarillo explains what happens if things go wrong. He recognizes that the opponent might be just as well trained as you or that you may make a mistake when trying certain techniques, so he gives a counter for every counter.

This book is more than just a technique manual though. It also deals with the psychological aspects of the sport. You’ll learn not only how to train your body to become a great grappler, but how to train your mind as well. It’s probably better than any self-help book out there, which tells you how to think positive and put yourself in better situation because this book teaches you that, and how to mangle people who decide to stand in your way.

Of all the MMA instructional manuals I’ve checked out over the years, this one might be my favorite. Again, I can’t understate how impressed I am with the uniqueness, design, and layout of the book, but it also accomplishes what it sets out to do, which is to teach techniques. I will admit that the military terminology takes a little getting used to, but once you’re familiar with the tone of the writing, it’s very simple to follow.

You can purchase “Submit Everyone” from Amazon.com and make sure to follow Dave Camarillo on Twitter for updates from the master of Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu.

Serious question: is this book of any value to schmucks like me, who don’t grapple but have a massive appreciation for the sport? If not, then can anyone recommend a good book about jiu-jitsu that covers more of the history, theory, and such?

This book does a great job covering the difference between “point grappling” and going for finishes while grappling as well as the history of Camarillo’s GJJ. But overall it’s still an instructional manual for guys who want to learn techniques and use them while training.

As far as the history and theory, I haven’t read a book like that, but I admit that I only read MMA books that are sent to me for review, so I’m sure there are plenty of them out there, they’re probably just older. If you search “jiu-jitsu” on amazon, there’s a full list of what appear to be great books about the things you’re looking for.

Faust,
I’d recommend taking a few Judo classes at your local Judo club. Easy sport to get into and well worth it if you want to understand the basics of grappling without stepping into the cage.
As for books, this one looks good but the best I’ve read (which isn’t much) is actually a series of articles on Bloodyelbow called The Forgotten Golden Age of Mixed Martial Arts, by nottheface. It’s a fantastic read covering everything from Pankration to the origins of JiuJitsu to Wrestling and even the integration of martial arts in Victorian England. He also recommends several books he used as references.
It’s good stuff for schmucks like us that don’t actually fight.